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BAJAJ FINSERV HEALTH LIMITED
Exploratory Laparotomy
Find the best hospitals for Exploratory Laparotomy on the Bajaj Finserv Health platform.
Minimum Cost
₹52,000
Average Cost
₹65,000
Maximum Cost
₹78,000
- exploratory laparotomy cost in India depends on factors like the city, hospital and doctor.
- You can convert your exploratory laparotomy cost into easy, no-cost EMIs with Bajaj Finserv Health.
Quick links
- What is Exploratory Laparotomy Surgery?
- Types of Exploratory Laparotomy Procedures
- When is Exploratory Laparotomy Operation Required?
- How to Prepare for Exploratory Laparotomy Surgery?
- What happens before exploratory laparotomy surgery?
- What happens during exploratory laparotomy operation?
- Methods/Techniques used for performing exploratory laparotomy procedure
- Post Procedure details
- Risks and complications associated with exploratory laparotomy surgery
- Why Bajaj Health?
What is Exploratory Laparotomy Surgery?
Exploratory laparotomy is a type of surgical procedure that enables surgeons to examine the abdomen's internal organs. It is commonly referred to as a diagnostic laparotomy because it allows for a thorough examination of organs within the abdominal cavity to identify any potential abnormalities or diseases. The procedure usually involves creating a large incision in the abdomen to provide direct access to the organs. While it is considered an invasive procedure, an exploratory laparotomy is often necessary for diagnosing certain conditions that cannot be accurately identified using non-invasive diagnostic methods. It is frequently used when conditions such as unexplained abdominal pain, abdominal mass, or internal bleeding are suspected. Furthermore, an exploratory laparotomy may also be utilized for staging cancer or evaluating the effectiveness of a treatment.
Types of Exploratory Laparotomy Procedures
Types of Exploratory Laparotomy ProceduresUpper Laparotomy
An upper laparotomy, also known as an epigastric laparotomy, is primarily used to examine organs located in the upper part of the abdomen. This includes organs such as the liver, stomach, and pancreas. This procedure is often used to diagnose conditions such as liver disease, stomach ulcers, or pancreatic cancer.
Lower Laparotomy
A lower laparotomy focuses on the lower abdomen, including the intestines, bladder, and reproductive organs. It is often used when conditions such as appendicitis, pelvic inflammatory disease, or bladder infections are suspected.
Midline Laparotomy
A midline laparotomy is a procedure where the incision is made in the middle of the abdomen. This allows for a comprehensive examination of all the abdominal organs. It is usually the preferred method when the exact location of the problem is unknown, or multiple organs need to be examined.
Paracentesis
While not a laparotomy in the strictest sense, paracentesis is often used in conjunction with an exploratory laparotomy. In this procedure, a needle or a small tube is inserted into the abdomen to remove the excess fluid. This fluid can then be examined to help identify any potential abnormalities or infections.
When is Exploratory Laparotomy Operation Required?
Severe Abdominal Pain:
Exploratory laparotomy is usually required when a patient experiences severe abdominal pain that cannot be diagnosed or treated with non-invasive procedures. The surgery allows doctors to investigate and identify the cause of the pain directly.
Unexplained Internal Bleeding:
Another common reason for an exploratory laparotomy is unexplained internal bleeding. This could be due to injury, a ruptured organ, or a disease like cancer. The procedure is used to locate the source of the bleeding and control it.
Confirming a Diagnosis:
Exploratory laparotomy can also be used when other diagnostic tools such as ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI do not provide a clear picture of the patient's condition. In such a scenario, a surgeon may recommend an exploratory laparotomy to confirm a diagnosis and determine the best course of treatment.
Treating Abdominal Infections or Diseases:
Patients suffering from severe abdominal infections or diseases like cancer, appendicitis, or diverticulitis may require an exploratory laparotomy. The procedure allows the surgeon to remove diseased tissue or treat the infection directly, thereby providing relief to the patient.
How to Prepare for Exploratory Laparotomy Surgery?
Pre-Surgery Consultation:
Before the surgery, your surgeon will have a consultation during which he/she will talk to you about the procedure, its risks and benefits, and answer any questions you may have. This is also the time to inform your surgeon about any medications or supplements you are taking.
Medical Evaluation:
Medical tests such as blood tests, electrocardiograms, and imaging tests may be conducted to assess your health status. These tests help the surgeon understand your body's readiness for the surgery and anesthesia.
Fasting:
You will be required to fast for a specific period before the surgery, usually from midnight the day before. This is to ensure that your stomach is empty, reducing the risk of complications during the surgery.
Preoperative Cleansing:
Before the surgery, you may be asked to use a special soap to cleanse your skin. This helps in minimizing the chances of postoperative infections.
Arranging Post-Surgery Care:
Since you may need help with daily activities for a few days after surgery, you should arrange for someone to help you during your recovery period. If necessary, discuss your options for rehabilitation services with your healthcare provider.
What happens before exploratory laparotomy surgery?
Upon the decision for an exploratory laparotomy, the medical team first takes a thorough medical history and conducts a physical examination. This is to assess the patient's health and predict any potential risks during the surgery.
Next, a series of diagnostic tests are conducted. These could include blood tests, imaging studies, and possibly a biopsy. These tests help the team identify the source of abdominal pain or discomfort and provide a better picture of the patient's overall health status.
Patients are then given instructions to follow leading up to the surgery. This often includes fasting (not eating or drinking) for a certain period before surgery, usually starting at midnight the night before. This helps to prevent aspiration during anesthesia.
In some cases, bowel preparation is necessary. This may involve taking laxatives or enemas to clear the bowel. This helps to minimize the chance of infection should the bowel be accidentally nicked during surgery.
Finally, patients are asked to sign a consent form after the procedure, risks, and potential complications are explained. This provides legal protection for the healthcare team and ensures the patient is informed and has agreed to the procedure.
What happens during exploratory laparotomy operation?
The procedure starts with the administration of general anesthesia to help the patient sleep throughout the surgery and not feel any pain.
The surgeon then makes a large incision in the abdomen. This may be made in the midline of the abdomen, from the lower edge of the sternum to the pubic bone, or it may be a transverse incision across the upper or lower abdomen. The choice of incision is based on the surgeon's preference and the reason for the surgery.
The abdominal organs are then carefully inspected. The surgeon will look for signs of disease, such as tumors or infection. If a problem is identified, it may be treated immediately if feasible. This could involve removing a tumor, taking biopsies for further testing, or treating infection.
Once the necessary procedures are completed, the incision is closed with sutures or staples. A dressing is then applied over the incision to protect it and help prevent infection.
After surgery, the patient is taken to a recovery room where vital signs are closely monitored as the anesthesia wears off. Once stable, the patient is transferred to a regular hospital room or surgical intensive care unit for further recovery and monitoring.
Methods/Techniques used for performing exploratory laparotomy procedure
The exploratory laparotomy procedure starts with the surgeon making a large incision in the abdomen. The location and size of the incision depend on the specific health concerns and the area that needs examination.
Once the incision is made, the surgeon will inspect and may take biopsies from different organs in the abdomen. If any abnormality or disease is found, it can often be treated immediately during the same surgery.
The surgeon may also take photographs of the organs and tissues for further examination and documentation. Once the procedure is finished, the incision is closed with sutures or staples.
Post Procedure details
After an exploratory laparotomy, patients are usually moved to the recovery room where vital signs are closely monitored. Pain management is a critical part of post-operative care and is managed with medications.
The length of the hospital stay depends on the specific circumstances of the operation. It could be several days to a week. The recovery period at home can take several weeks. During this time, activities are typically limited as per the surgeon's instructions.
Follow-up appointments are scheduled to remove sutures or staples and to monitor the patient's recovery process. If biopsies were taken, the results will usually be discussed during these follow-ups.
Risks and complications associated with exploratory laparotomy surgery
As with any surgical procedure, exploratory laparotomy comes with potential risks and complications. These could include infection, bleeding, blood clots, and damage to organs.
There is also a risk associated with general anesthesia. Some people may have adverse reactions to anesthesia, such as breathing problems or allergic reactions.
Postoperative complications may include incisional hernia, where the incision does not heal properly and organs push through, and adhesions, where scar tissue causes organs to stick together. In some cases, further surgery may be required to treat these complications.
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DisclaimerThe cost of exploratory laparotomy depends on the following factors: the city, the hospital that is selected, the complexity of the procedure and the room chosen by the patient. The price range mentioned here is an approximation of the surgery cost; Bajaj Finserv Health does not claim that these prices are an exact estimate. For exact information about surgery charges, it is best inquire at the selected hospital.